Not only do other states object to Pennsylvania's claim that "America Starts Here," but many people who live here also don't like the new tourism promotional slogan.

About 62 percent of 1,150 readers recently polled by Pennsylvania Magazine said they are unhappy with the six-month-old marketing tool developed by the state Commerce Department and Elkman Advertising of Philadelphia.

Three out of four prefer "The Keystone State," which Pennsylvania has been called for more than 200 years.

Nearly half also prefer the previous tourism slogan, "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania," although many criticize its grammar. One said it simply should be changed to "You Have a Friend in Pennsylvania."

The magazine's readers objected to "America Starts Here" because America includes more than just the United States, the claim is historically inaccurate and the slogan -- designed to attract tourists from other states -- is offensive to other states and their residents, since it may imply that the rest of the U.S. is a foreign country.

Some states have questioned the accuracy of Pennsylvania's new slogan on both historic and geographic grounds, according to Pennsylvania Magazine.

"Pennsylvania's current campaign theme is the only one that is a putdown of other states and is the only one to claim more than it can deliver," wrote Albert E. Holliday, editor of the magazine, in its February issue. "In large measure, the United States did start here, but America clearly does not start here now."

Some readers who responded to the poll questioned why Pennsylvania needs any slogan. After all, said one, "Pennsylvania is not a beer."

Tourism is Pennsylvania's second largest industry, after agriculture. Many other states have successful slogans, such as "Virginia is for Lovers," "I Love New York," "New Jersey and You -- Perfect Together" and New Mexico's "Land of Enchantment."

"The evidence is clear that the `America Starts Here' slogan is not a valid and helpful one to promote tourism," wrote Holliday. "We need a slogan, or slogans, that Pennsylvanians can respect and that will encourage residents in other states to enjoy our hospitality."

While not recommending another slogan, Holliday said State Commerce Department officials should restudy the issue.

The magazine reported that even representatives of Pennsylvania's tourist industries don't like the new slogan. The staff of the private Pennsylvania Travel Council asked its members for their opinion of "America Starts Here." Fifty-six percent did not like it, 34 percent did like it and 10 percent didn't know. The travel council staff said many members criticize the slogan as appearing to "center on Philadelphia."

Nearly 100 slogans submitted by the magazine's readers included "Pennsylvania -- A Revolutionary State," "Penn's Woods, and More" and "State of the Nation."

Many local readers of Pennsylvania Magazine submitted slogans. Among those submitting one of the most popular, "We Have It All," were J. Folk of Bangor and A.W. Fly of Quakertown. T.H. Smith and C.L. Siegfried, both of Walnutport, were among those recommending "Cradle of Liberty." A.E. Kline of Allentown and J.A. Maroski of North Catasauqua were among those recommending "America's Birthplace."

There also were light-hearted, anonymous entries: "Dutch Lotto Land," "The Pothole State," "Thanks for Coming -- Now Go Home," and "If America Starts Here, Let's Leave for the Promised Land."

Pennsylvania Magazine is the only statewide feature magazine in Pennsylvania. Established in 1981, it has a circulation of 40,000. It is published every other month. An annual subscription costs $14.95. To subscribe, write: Pennsylvania Magazine, Box 576, Camp Hill, Pa., 17011.

BACK TO THE WESTERDAM

A tip to consumers, learned the hard way: the "inaugural" cruise of a new or rebuilt ship no longer necessarily means the first cruise of that vessel.

For example, Holland America Line recently announced its expanded ship, Westerdam, will leave New York City May 4 for an "inaugural" Panama Canal cruise. What a 3-page-long company press release didn't mention was that the ship will have four other cruises from New York City to the Caribbean before embarking for the Panama Canal.

When asked what the Westerdam would be doing between March, when rebuilding is completed, and May, when it sails for the Panama Canal, a company spokesman failed to mention the other cruises. Later he apologized for the oversight and said the cruise line's marketing and public relations people would review use of the word "inaugural."

After a Dec. 24 article announced Westerdam's inaugural cruise through the Panama Canal, some local residents, who purchased tickets for the earlier cruises, understandably were confused and concerned. They had travel agents scrambling to confirm bookings.

Westerdam's earlier cruise dates are March 25, April 4, April 14 and April 24. The 10-day-long cruises will stop at Bermuda, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Antigua. Prices start at $3,078 a couple. Some space still is available, but going fast, according to Holland America spokeswoman Juli Chase. Anyone interested should contact a travel agent.